SGS Life Science Services (LSS) is expanding its R&D / QC operations in North America by doubling its facilities in Chicago and tripling those in Toronto. The moves are in response to 10-15% annual growth in the market for pharmaceutical contract testing.

SGS has been operating its LSS division in Canada since 1984, and has been in its existing facility located in the Toronto suburbs of Mississauga since 1987. The new facility, also located in Mississauga, will triple the space from 15,000 sq. ft. to 46,000 sq. ft. The company anticipates doubling its technical resources to handle new business opportunities.

Concurrent with the move to the new Mississauga facility, the R&D / QC group will expand its capabilities in Canada by offering testing services for the analysis and characterization of biopharmaceuticals. The move is currently underway in phases and is expected to be completed by September.

In the U.S., SGS LSS’ sites include a 35,000-sq.-ft. facility in northern NJ, in close proximity to top pharmaceutical companies. In 2006, SGS expanded its U.S. market presence by acquiring Northview Laboratories, adding an existing facility in the Chicago suburb of Northbrook, IL. SGS LSS will move from the Northbrook facility to a new site in Lincolnshire, IL, doubling the facility size from 21,500 sq. ft. to almost 40,000 sq. ft.

As part of the move, SGS will increase its offerings in Stability Studies and Stability Program Management. SGS LSS plans to double its technical staffing by the end of 1Q10,. Modifications to the building are currently in progress, with move-in by the end of 2009.

“For SGS’ Life Science Services, the expansion at these two sites demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering excellent quality and service.” said Sohil Mana, Sr., vice president and regional business manager, North America. “The move also involves the implementation of Lean Projects to increase efficiencies in our laboratories. These projects will strengthen our performance by developing innovative solutions to lead the industry in on-time delivery. Given that outsourcing is a continuing trend within the pharmaceutical market, these recent expansions will contribute to positioning SGS Life Science Services as the preferred partner to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.”

SGS Life Science Services’ R&D / QC division performs method development and quality control testing for the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, medical device, chemicals and cosmetics markets.

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